We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10 am, I was relaxing under the shade outside my house after coming back from my job of charcoal burning. This job is so tiresome and I always feel extremely exhausted after doing it. I received two consecutive messages on my phone. Being illiterate, I called my neighbor to examine my phone. It was a happy moment for me after it finally landed to my ears that I had received my transfer. I had to wait for my spouse to come from work to share with him the good news as well as plan on how to use our aid before we could withdraw it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am currently able to meet the needs of my family without much struggle. Previously, I had to work the whole day doing charcoal burning a job that is tiresome and low-paying. In most instances, we were going to bed without food for 2 days every week. At the moment, my kids are happy and enjoy eating healthy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 35,000 to purchase building materials including 20 iron sheets, 80 buildings poles, timber, and nails. This was for the construction of a decent shelter for my family since the one I have is very small, grass-thatched and leaks during the rainy season. My 4 grown-up children were seeking shelter from my neighbors some this which make me feel very worried about their safety. I had wished to own a proper and spacious iron roofed house for my family like others in the village but I lack the financial muscles. Furthermore, I spent KES 10,000 to support my 4 children's education by clearing their school fees. In addition, I used KES 5000 to purchase proper cloth for every member of the family. They were wearing worn-out clothes something that make me feel embarrassed as a parent. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing sufficient food for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For the past three years, my husband, my children and I have been living in a house that is in a very poor condition. The house is almost falling, it has no door. This has made us feel very insecure and unsafe to stay in this house. The house can be brought down incase of very strong winds. I intend to construct a new house at a total cost of 40,000 KES. A house that will be very safe to live in. A strong, good looking house will bring dignity to my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have 3 school going children. They go to school in the morning and come back in the afternoon. They always find lunch ready when they come from school. Sharing the afternoon meal with them makes me very happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Together my husband, we work as charcoal burners. This business earns us approximately 6,000 KES. With a family of 6 children who still depend on us, all the money goes into buying food, leaving the rest of the needs unattended. Paying school fees for our children has been a challenge since they started schooling. Lack of enough money has also made it impossible for us to build a new house.
